US embassy cable - 05DUBLIN927

UNCLAS DUBLIN 000927 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OREP, AMGT, AFIN, SASEC 
SUBJECT: CODEL LANDRIEU COUNTRY CLEARANCE AUGUST 1-3 
 
REF: SECSTATE 137241 
 
1.  Post welcomes and grants country clearance to Senator 
Mary Landrieu, Norma Jane Sabiston, and Jason Matthews to 
travel to Limerick, Ireland, from August 1 to 3, 2005. 
Purpose of visit is to attend a conference on interoperable 
communications at the University of Limerick. 
 
2.  Embassy control officer for this visit is Tom 
Rosenberger, office telephone 353-1-630-6275, home telephone 
353-1- 260-4795, cell phone 353-87-997-7094, email: 
rosenbergertm@state.gov.  Embassy telephone number while in 
country is (01) 668-8777 during business hours; (01) 668-9612 
after hours. 
 
3.  Reservations for two, Ms. Sabiston and Mr. Matthews, have 
been made at Castletroy Park Hotel, Dublin Road, Limerick, 
Ireland telephone number 353-61-335-566, fax 353-61-331-117 
Room rate is Euro 145.  Please provide post with fiscal data 
or credit card information to confirm the reservations. 
 
GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION 
 
4.  There are no visa requirements for visitors traveling to 
Ireland on diplomatic or official passports. 
 
5.   Please note that as of March 29, 2004, Ireland has 
instituted a smoking ban in the work place, including all 
pubs, restaurants, and hotel common areas.  Violation of this 
law may result in a fine of up to Euro 3,000.  Check with 
hotel staff upon arrival to determine if smoking is permitted 
in hotel room. 
 
6.  Accommodation Exchange:  Post does not have check cashing 
or money changing facilities.  Major credit cards are widely 
accepted; ATM machines accept most major U.S. bankcards, and 
offer the best exchange rates. 
 
SECURITY INFORMATION FOR IRELAND 
 
7.  Post is unaware of direct threats against Americans or 
U.S. interests in Ireland, and Ireland remains a relatively 
safe country where anti-American sentiment is rare.  For 
additional threat assessment information regarding Ireland, 
you may contact DS/DSS/ITA (Diplomatic Security's Office of 
Intelligence and Threat Assessment) in the State Department 
at 202-663-0787.  TDY visitors staying longer than 30 days 
should schedule a briefing with the Regional Security Officer. 
 
8.  Street Crime: Like any large urban center, Dublin has its 
share of street crime, especially pick-pocketing and 
purse-snatching.  Valuables should not be left unattended in 
cars and should be kept in hotel safe deposit boxes.  Do not 
carry large amounts of cash.  Violent confrontations and use 
of firearms are rare, however, and with reasonable 
precautions and common sense visitors should be able to enjoy 
a safe visit.  Police services are excellent; the number for 
emergency services in Ireland is 999 or 112. 
 
9.  Terrorism: Ireland, like the rest of the world, shares an 
increased threat of terrorist incidents of international 
origin.  Travelers should remain aware of their surroundings 
and report suspicious people or activities to the police or 
RSO. 
KENNY